Neuro

Tomorrow night is the big sleep study. I mostly dread these because I enjoy sleeping in my own bed and theirs is far from comfortable. Nate was a real trooper last time-slept the whole night in lieu of all the cords stuck to his head and chest. The only part he really didn't like was when the nurses wrapped his head with gauze to keep all the wires they stuck to his head in place. That is really the only problem I foresee. Maybe I should stop jinxing myself.

Our appointment with the neurologist to go over the sleep study is next Wednesday. We also plan on having a nice long discussion about Nate's hand "mirroring". Our OT is looking for some sort of explanation and we are both hoping that we can get it from him. Unfortunately, his bedside manner leaves much to be desired. I always dread going to see him (and it's been nearly a year because of it). Nate, being the smart little guy he is, has started compensating to be able to do things his hands, for some unknown reason, won't let him do. For example, if he wants a better grip on a toy he is holding he will either put it against his chest or bring it to the floor and re grip.

Here are a couple pictures I took while I was trying to get him to break apart some toy links. He could do it if he grabbed them at the same time-but wasn't able to if I only let him hold it in one hand at first. His other hand would come over to gold it but his tiny fist wouldn't open (because the other was firmly wrapped around the links and what one hand does the other does). This probably doesn't make sense. On with the pictures.








In this post I mentioned that our OT was thinking about casting to get Nate to differentiate between his hands. Thank goodness we found an air cast to use-we had actually been talking about hard casting. The thought process behind this is that by forcing his hands to differentiate he will be able to build new neuro pathways that will allow him to eventually do it on his own. Curious to see what his neurologist says about this theory (although it makes perfect sense to me).



This deadpan stare his is giving is because when I took this photo he was intently watching his "baby can read" video. It helps pass the time while he is in his stander.



I do occasionally see him do things that make me take a second look-things that I don't normally see him do because he doesn't differentiate. We've been seeing some good side sitting and playing (sitting with one arm supporting himself and the other playing with a toy) which is a sign of progress. If you think of it, please keep us in your prayers this week and next. First and foremost, for wisdom for the doctors (especially neurology) and peace for Ryan and I as we go back to the place we dread the most. I've got some new and some exciting things to post about soon (Nate related-so don't go starting any pregnancy rumors!). I'll try to be more prompt in posting the results when we get them next week!